26th Edition of GAT Expo Cartagena: Positioning in Latin America

“The 26th edition of GAT Expo Cartagena reaffirms the fair's position as the most important land-based and online exhibition in Latin America. We found it to be an impactful experience, bringing together high-level players from more than every continent,” says organizer José Aníbal Aguirre.

Large attendance, academic quality, and powerful alliances

Aguirre highlighted two points: the success of the attendance and the quality of the academic session, which lasted seven hours with 40 panelists and 300 professionals who focused their attention on each of the topics, covering regulation, data analysis, esports, lotteries, and much more, in addition to the hundreds of people who joined the streaming broadcast.

“The second key point I want to highlight is the announcement of the partnership between the Colombian Olympic Committee, Colombian Official Esports, and GAT Esports to promote tournaments in Colombia. Esports are a very innovative industry that, in the near future, will generate huge amounts of betting, similar to traditional soccer, given the growing popularity of these competitive video games among younger generations. Coljuegos and the COC have seen our continuous work for four years to bring attention to esports, and that trust led to their acceptance of our collaboration proposal,” Aguirre explained.

Puerto Rican Regulator

“I also highlight the attraction we generated by inviting the Puerto Rico regulator to GAT Expo Cartagena, which, to put it mildly, ‘opened the eyes’ of the audience to the investment and new business opportunities on the island. Finally, the dynamics of the exhibition hall booths were extraordinary. We found innovative ways to engage with the public, meticulously prepared by the exhibitors to attract 3,000 visitors to learn about their products and services, presented and demonstrated by high-level marketing and sales teams,” he added.

Positive Audience Response

When asked about the audience response, he responded that it was extremely positive. “Exhibitors and attendees valued the professionalism of the organization, the quality of the trade show, the richness of the academic content, and the opportunities for effective networking. The show was recognized as a platform that not only showcases innovation but also creates opportunities for expansion.”

Cartagena as a Strategic Location for LATAM and the Caribbean

“Cartagena and Colombia are absolutely strategically located for entering Central America, Andean South America, and the Caribbean. The international dimension of the event and its regional reach position us as an essential point of reference in the industry calendar,” he stated.

“GAT Expo Cartagena is the warmest and most exciting event for attendees in Latin America. The atmosphere and culture of Colombia's jewel in the Caribbean are unparalleled, and that translates into the vibrant days of networking, where ties are forged to conduct business productively, all wrapped up in the charm of Cartagena.”

Space for dialogue between authorities and industry organizations

“GAT Expo Cartagena has established itself as a space for proactive dialogue between regulators such as Coljuegos and the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, international associations such as CIBELAE, SONAJA, AIEJA, and ADOBAD, and the Colombian associations ASOJUEGOS, CORNAZAR, FECOLJUEGOS, and FEDELCO. As next steps, regional initiatives are proposed to harmonize regulatory criteria and incentivize the role of associations as contributors to governments, suggesting regulations tailored to the needs of each market. GAT will continue to be the platform where these consensuses are transformed into concrete actions in favor of a sustainable and well-regulated industry.”

The Cultural Tour: A New Feature at GAT EXPO Cartagena

“We are innovating this year with a cultural tour that we hope to improve and extend to the GAT Events Circuit in Mexico City, San Juan, and Santo Domingo. This strategy allows investors to experience the spirit and characteristics of the population in each jurisdiction and connect with those who share a tour of historic and emblematic sites in the host cities. GAT Cartagena has demonstrated that this trade show model, which combines commercial exhibitions, academic content, and networking experiences with regional identity, is highly effective,” commented José Aníbal.

Next Stop: GAT CDMX in August

“GAT CDMX, which will take place on August 27 and 28, represents an unmissable opportunity to connect one of the most powerful and diverse markets in Latin America. We will also have an academy in Mexico City designed for the transitional period facing gambling in that country. Expo Santa Fe will be the epicenter of the meeting between operators, suppliers, licensees, developers, authorities, and international associations, in an environment designed to strengthen business, foster international outreach, and foster regulatory developments in the sector. In Mexico, we have an invaluable ally, the Association of Licensees, Operators, and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry in Mexico (AIEJA), a union deeply committed to the legality and advancement of the industry.”

Next landing: GAT San Juan in Puerto Rico in October

“San Juan in Puerto Rico will be an unknown port of entry, yet at the same time deeply connected to the Latin American culture,” comments Aguirre, adding: “It is experiencing a good period in regulatory development, with a gaming commission determined to encourage and welcome new companies to join its market. This offers, for example, specific regulations for esports betting. It will be key for attendees to understand its content and scope, as one of the topics to be covered on the academic agenda included in the October 28 and 29 program.”

GAT Expo Santo Domingo: November

“With regard to the Dominican Republic, on November 12 and 13, the massive response from the country's operators to GAT Expo Santo Domingo is already well known, as is the drive and desire to grow of a new business community that supports the efficient management of the current Casino Directorate of the Ministry of Finance. We are facilitators of the modernization, exchange, and development processes of legal gaming in Latin America and the Caribbean,” he concluded.

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